Do makeup products expire?
We all have that one foundation or mascara in our makeup bag that we’ve had for what seems like ages. All good and all, but the chances of them being expired are pretty high. Yes, makeup has a best before date! Here’s an overview of product expiration dates.
Foundations – 6-12 Months
With foundations, this is a tricky thing. I mean, if you’re like me, you probably have more than one foundation. My skin gets darker as the weather warms up, so I switch up my foundations accordingly, which usually means my foundations last a lot longer than a year… (gulp) But to save myself from putting expired products on my face, I take a close look at what’s in my collection as the seasons change. Here are some things to look for when checking your foundation.
Has the product changed color?
Has it been exposed to direct sunlight for a long time?
Does it give off a weird or unpleasant odor?
Is there any sign of mold?
If the answer to all of these questions is “no,” then you can safely use the product for a few months after the expiration date, at your discretion of course.
Concealer – 6-12 Months
You’ll notice that concealer has a similar shelf life to foundation. The only difference is that some concealers, especially those with a sponge applicator, are used. Since some concealers are meant to cover blemishes and spots, it’s no surprise that the concealer picks up some bacteria in the process. Transferring these bacteria from your face back into the tube usually contaminates the product, which then expires faster.
To avoid this, apply some product to the back of your hand and then use a clean brush to cover the area or blemish.
Lipstick – 2 Years
Lipstick seems to age the most of all the products. Still, it’s best to store lipstick away from direct sunlight and heat. Yes, lipstick may last the longest, but it’s in constant contact with your mouth, and let’s face it: your mouth is full of bacteria, no matter how often you floss.
It’s best to be hygienic by cleaning your lipstick after every use, but understandably, not everyone has that much time!
To keep your lipstick looking nice and performing well, keep it sanitary by giving it a quick spray with a small amount of rubbing alcohol once a month. Keep an eye out for discoloration, color changes, and odors, as this means it’s time to throw it out.
Mascara 3-6 Months
The problem with mascara is that it’s the product that spreads infection the fastest. The brush can contaminate the product in the tube and create a nest of bacteria. This is of course why professional makeup artists use a separate disposable mascara brush for each eye. Personally, I think respecting the expiration date on your mascara is of the utmost importance. To ensure your mascara lasts the full 6 months, try not to pump the brush into the tube if possible. It’s a habit many of us have, but when you do this you’re forcing air into the case and the mascara will dry out faster!
Powdered Products (Blush, Eyeshadow, etc.) 1-2 Years
You’ll find that powder formulas have a longer shelf life than cream or liquid products. Honestly, of all the makeup products on the market, they’re pretty low maintenance. Keeping them in a drawer or on your dresser is a good place to start. If the formula changes in any way, starts to smell, or changes consistency, it’s time to throw it out.
If you have particularly oily skin, you may notice that powder products like blush can form a rough film on the surface, which can change the color. To avoid this, blot your makeup brush with a cloth to remove any oils from your cheeks that may have been left behind by the product.
Cream formulas (cream blush, etc.) – 1 year
Just like foundation, you’ll want to make sure you store these products away from sunlight and protect them from overheating to prevent the formula, color, and texture from changing or developing an unpleasant odor. Cream blushes are easier to apply with your fingers, but can easily spread bacteria. Always wash your hands before using cream products, or spray them with alcohol once a week to keep bacteria away!
Natural Products 3-6 Months
I know I’ve got a rough idea of the lifespan of natural products, but it’s hard to keep them for more than 6 months, especially if you’re not super careful with them! Being natural means they don’t contain preservatives like other makeup products. The best place to store these products is in the fridge, but be aware that even storing them there won’t make them “go bad” any faster. If you want to try natural products, it’s best to buy smaller sizes so you have a chance to use up all of the product before it expires.
So that’s our little guide to the shelf life of makeup. I hear you all running already, grab your makeup bag and start cleaning! If you can’t tell if a product that looks good, smells good and works well is approaching its expiration date, you can also look at the back of the packaging. There you’ll see an icon of a small jar with a removable lid and a number in the middle. The number indicates how many months the product can be used before it expires after opening.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
